laugh in (one's) sleeve



Like this video? Subscribe to our free daily email and get a new idiom video every day!

laugh in (one's) sleeve

To rejoice or be amused secretly and/or contemptuously, as at another's mistakes or misfortunes. Though feigning sympathy, my colleagues are all laughing in their sleeves at me for being stood up at the altar by my fiancée. I know it's mean-spirited, but I can't help but laugh in my sleeve when I see someone slip on the icy streets.
See also: laugh, sleeve

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
EerikE:-reekFinnish
Gaultier-French
BazBAZEnglish (British)
Manel-Catalan
Teofilte-AW-feelPolish
Adonis[ə'dəunis]